IF you continue to smoke despite warnings about its impact on your health, it seems you’re not alone.

New research shows that despite the public smoking ban in 2007, over a fifth of people in England still smoke.

Despite the millions contributed to NHS funds from tobacco tax each year, critics say smokers cost the NHS £2.7bn a year.

The figures are only slightly better for the South West, with 18 per cent of people continuing to smoke.

But with so many campaigns aimed at helping people to quit, why isn’t the message sinking in?

Dr Tom Mckinstry, Dorset representative for the British Medical Association, said: “Although the figures sound high, we do have a lot of people coming in as a result of the Smoke Stop clinic.

“Most people who are coming to seek help are older, so I think young people are a big part of the problem. It’s very hard to make a campaign effective to that age group, as when you’re 14, being in your 50s and 60s seems a lifetime away.

“We need to find a way of making them realise that life is short.

“The aids are all there, but people need to have the desire to stop.”

One of the services the NHS offers is the Smokefree South West team, which is aimed at helping hospital patients, staff and visitors to give up smoking.

Elaine Watson, manager of a drop-in service, said: “You’re four times more likely to quit when you use the support of the NHS Stop smoking service rather than going it alone.”

The government is also taking further action to tackle Britain’s smoking habit.

On March 9, it set out the Tobacco Control Plan for England, which plans to make tobacco less affordable.

It is hoping this initiative will cut the percentage of smokers in England to less than 18.5 by 2015, and to just 12 per cent among 15-year-olds.

Why are people continuing to smoke?

With help so readily available, why do so many people still smoke?

• Ben Selby, 23, insurance worker from Bournemouth, said: “I quit ages ago but started again due to work. It was mainly down to stress. Also in pubs and clubs it’s more sociable to be outside smoking.”

• Steve Smith, 28, insurance worker from Bournemouth, said: “Well I’m addicted really. I’ve always said I’ll stop when I’m 40. It’s like a family tradition, everyone has smoked and then given up at 40. I had an auntie who died at 50 and she never smoke and lived a healthy life so it’s not all straight-forward.”

• Barbara Miller, 76, pensioner from Winton, said: “I’ve been smoking for 60 years and will continue to do so. My late father smoked 40 a day throughout his life and lived to be 93. It’s my business if I smoke or not and not the NHS’s.”

• Ryan Bates, 19, call centre worker from Winton, said: “I smoke because I’m bored – that’s honestly why I started. The routine is the hardest thing to break. I want to stop but it’s routine for me.”

• Emma Simpkin, 20, insurance worker from Bournemouth, said: “I’m more of a social smoker. It’s a disgusting habit but it’s habit now.”

• Jack Pilkington, 23, insurance worker form Bournemouth, said: “I love smoking. Why would I want to quit something I enjoy?”

• Sarah Clark, 43, housewife from Poole, said: “I want to quit, but I never seem to have the time to get the help.

“With three young kids its easier to just pop out for a cigarette than go all the way to the doctor’s for help.”